A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Alexandria for Nightlife, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Alexandria? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a lively, fun, and party-hard beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and live music. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Alexandria travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Daytona Beach than Alexandria. While Alexandria is larger than Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Alexandria attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Alexandria and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Daytona Beach different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alexandria and Daytona Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Alexandria is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Alexandria is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Alexandria is an experience not to be missed. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Daytona Beach is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Daytona Beach is a good destination for its music scene. However, Alexandria is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Alexandria is not a live music destination.


Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Daytona Beach is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Daytona Beach as a resort destination, but it has a few places. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Daytona Beach is a good destination for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach offers a nice beach destination. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Alexandria can be explored in its historical center. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Alexandria is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria More Beautiful?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Alexandria is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Most people don't think of either Daytona Beach or Alexandria as a family destination.

Daytona Beach is not the most family-friendly destination. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Alexandria is not always a place people visit with their families. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.


Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Alexandria is a well-known place for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Daytona Beach is a nice destination for couples. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Alexandria is a popular place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Daytona Beach is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not popular with students.

Daytona Beach is a very popular place to visit for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Alexandria is not popular with students.


Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Alexandria has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Alexandria

Alexandria is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Daytona Beach or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

Families should spend more time in Alexandria than Daytona Beach. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Alexandria, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Daytona Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Alexandria that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Daytona Beach if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Alexandria.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

With live music and nightlife around the fun beach city of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Alexandria. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

Daytona Beach, a popular beach city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Alexandria. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Daytona Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Daytona Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Alexandria Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    Alexandria $0.00

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $0.00. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Daytona Beach and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Alexandria? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Daytona Beach


Hotels in Alexandria


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Alexandria -

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Daytona Beach change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Daytona Beach $138
    Alexandria -

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Alexandria -

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Eco Tour in Flagler County-Small-group: $85
  • 3 Hour Coastal Fun Cruise : $150
  • 3 Hour Social Sip N Dip Party Cruise: $70
  • Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75
  • Daytona Beach Champagne Sunset Cruise: $89
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Dolphin and Wildlife Tour at Indian River Shores: $65

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alexandria.

  • Phantoms of the Potomac: Old Town Alexandria Ghost Tour: $27
  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $39
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Semi-Private Walking Tour Old Town Alexandria & Carlyle: $69
  • Alexandria & Mt Vernon Tour: $99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Karaoke Party Bus Dive Bar Crawl: $40
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Alexandria Ghosts: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Daytona Beach and Alexandria, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Daytona Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Daytona Beach than you might in Alexandria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Daytona Beach Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Alexandria, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Daytona Beach or Alexandria?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Alexandria. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Alexandria averages at about 60°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In October, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Daytona Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alexandria. In January, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Alexandria. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Alexandria. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alexandria in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Daytona Beach is much warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In April, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)